Weight loss journeys are different for everyone. This is also true when individuals are on a weight loss treatment like Ozempic. 

If you’re a professional practitioner and your client asks, ‘Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?’ there are many possible reasons for this.

Continue reading this article to find out why your client may be struggling to reach their desired weight and how you can support them to achieve optimum results.

But first, let’s explain what Ozempic is.

What is Ozempic?

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic, is designed to treat people with type 2 diabetes. The medication regulates blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production.

Ozempic also slows the digestion of food, which helps to promote a feeling of fullness in the recipient, along with a reduced appetite. This lack of appetite and hunger pangs can contribute to weight loss, making it an added benefit of Ozempic.

While not approved for weight loss, Ozempic can be prescribed off-label (when medication is prescribed for a different reason than the one approved for) to people who are severely overweight or at risk of heart-related issues.

Before you offer Ozempic treatment, ensure you find out everything you need to know about Ozempic for weight loss.

Why is your client not losing weight on Ozempic?

1. A Higher Dosage of Ozempic is Required

Ozempic is available in two doses: 0.25mg and 0.5mg.

Your client should have the Ozempic 0.25mg pen for the first four weeks of being on the treatment. 

After your client has been on Ozempic for four weeks, increase the dosage to 0.5mg. If you don’t increase their treatment at the correct point, it can cause issues that may contribute to weight gain.

Furthermore, administering the correct dosage reduces your client’s chance of experiencing side effects.  

The common side effects your client should expect when on Ozempic include the following:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Stomach pains.
• Acid reflux.
• Diarrhoea.
• Constipation.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of the common side effects of Ozempic. 

2. Increase Physical Activity

Ozempic and weight loss don’t naturally come hand in hand; individuals still have to put the work in.

Advise your clients on Ozempic to maintain a well-balanced diet and regularly exercise to remain healthy and achieve optimum results.

The recommended amount of exercise per week is 150 minutes. Your clients should partake in moderate physical activity, such as the following:

• Walking.
• Bike riding.
• Tennis.
• Hiking.
• Dancing.
• Water aerobics.

Regular physical activity will help your clients to build muscle mass and lose fat. Exercise will also speed up their metabolism, helping to burn calories.

3. Reached a Plateau

Like with any medication or diet plan, individuals on Ozempic may lose weight quickly, to begin with; however, weight loss will eventually slow down or level out, i.e. reach a plateau.

A weight-loss plateau is normal, and your client should expect this at some point while taking Ozempic. It will happen when they lose fat and muscle simultaneously, and their metabolism begins to slow.

Your client may be tempted to stop participating in physical activity if they become unmotivated at the plateau stage; however, exercise is particularly crucial. If they stop regularly exercising, they will likely start gaining the weight they’ve lost.

Over time, your client will adjust, and weight loss should start picking up again.

4. Your Client is too Stressed

Stress, whether personal or work-related, can lead to weight gain. This is because stress can cause a surge of adrenaline and cortisol. 

In the short term, these hormones can help reduce appetite; however, cortisol will encourage the body to replenish energy stores over time, contributing to weight gain.

Additionally, stress can disrupt sleep, which doesn’t help with weight management. More on this in the next section!

Also, there is such a thing as stress eating, contributing to a higher calorie intake.

If your client is not losing weight on Ozempic and you suspect it is due to stress, advise them to try ways to reduce anxiety, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.

5. Poor Sleep

Your client may struggle to lose weight if they aren’t getting enough sleep.

Sleeping too little impacts appetite-regulating hormones, leading to cravings for fatty foods. Furthermore, a lack of sleep is linked to obesity and other severe health conditions.

Therefore, advise your clients to sleep at least seven to nine hours per night.

However, they should avoid sleeping too much, i.e. more than nine hours, as this can also lead to weight gain. Plus, sleeping too much lowers energy levels and increases fatigue, impacting an individual’s motivation to exercise.  

6. Need to be More Patient

Many people who begin weight loss treatment want to know how to lose weight fast on Ozempic.

However, drastic weight changes and desired results won’t happen straight away.

Furthermore, rapid weight loss may cause health issues like nutrient deficiencies and dehydration. So, instead of trying to lose weight quickly, your client should aim for sustainable weight loss.

It should take several weeks for them to see any noticeable results. 

As mentioned, your client should start on 0.25mg of Ozempic per week and increase the dosage after four weeks.

7. Your Client Needs a Stronger Support Network

Regardless of treatment, people need support when trying to lose weight.

If your client is gaining weight rather than losing it, this may be because they feel alone and unsupported, leading to overeating. 

Furthermore, loneliness can lead to a lack of confidence, which may impact their ability to partake in physical activities.

To combat the above, encourage your client to ask a friend or family member to join them on their weight loss journey. 

As with your client, you must assess their health and personal requirements to ensure Ozempic is appropriate for them. To be eligible for Ozempic, they must have type 2 diabetes, be overweight, or be at risk of heart issues.

8. Incorrect Calorie Intake

Your client may be finding it difficult to lose weight if they are still eating the wrong type of foods.

They should avoid consuming the following:

• Fatty and sugary foods – Processed meat, fried products, sweets, chocolate, cakes, and other fatty snacks.
• Foods high in carbohydrates – White bread and white rice.
• High-sugar fruits – Mango, bananas, oranges, and more.
• Caffeine.
• Alcohol.

This is not an exhaustive list of food/drinks your client should avoid while taking Ozempic; there are other items they should avoid consuming to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.

9. Doses are Being Skipped

Missed Ozempic doses can cause your client’s weight to plateau. Any medication will lose its effectiveness if not taken consistently and correctly.

Here’s what to do if your client skips an Ozempic injection for weight loss:

• They must take Ozempic treatment within five days of the missed dose. 
• If more than five days pass after their missed Ozempic dose, they should skip it and wait for their next scheduled Ozempic injection.

10. Other Medications May be More Suitable

If your client has tried all the above but is still asking, ‘Why is Ozempic not working?’ consider offering another type of weight loss treatment.

Revolve Medicare offers various weight loss medications. 

As mentioned, results from treatments work differently for everyone, and some may not be as effective as others. Furthermore, some medications may be unsuitable depending on your client’s health conditions or other drugs they are on.

Now you know how to optimise your clients’ results from Ozempic, helping them lose weight and improve their overall health.

 

Wondering which weight loss solution is best for your client? Revolve Medicare can help. 

Contact us today if you have any questions.